Bundaberg

Whether you drive, fly, train, walk or ride as you arrive in Bundaberg, you can't help but notice rolling rich red soil, rows of sugarcane, macadamias and criss-cross grids of Australia's food bowl that greet you in every which way.

Bundaberg city is most fondly associated with rum of the same name and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks which are exported to the world, but a visit to this turtle town will leave much more than just a sweet sensation on the tip of your tongue.

If tours are right up your alley, there are several options - the Bundaberg Rum factory, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Fairymead House and Wednesday art walk at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.

If you like to cruise, you can take a leisurely meander up the Burnett River on a guided boat tour. Or, head out to Lady Musgrave Island onboard a luxury vessel departing from the Bundaberg Port.

Pack your snorkel and togs though because just 15 minutes from the city, swimming, snorkelling, surfing and beachcombing are all just a quick dip away. Head anywhere between Burnett to Elliott Heads - or even ride a bike along the Coral Coast track to experience the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

If visiting between November to March you can also have the Mon Repos turtle experience - a night tour offering up close and personal experiences with these ancient mariners while they lay and hatch.

Bundaberg is also known to have the pick of the crop when it comes to fresh produce straight from the farm. It's referred to as Australia's food bowl with nearly 90 per cent of the countries sweet potatoes grown in the region. The pick of the crop can be found there, with farm gate markets, fresh seafood and many local restaurants and cafes serving up the best, seasonal produce.

Whether you're a connoisseur, art critic, historian or are into the natural nightlife - Bundaberg is a sweet sugar town with more than meets the eye.

Kinkuna section of Burrum Coast National Park preserves a wilderness area of coastal vegetation and wide, unspoilt beaches, just 30 kilometres south of Bundaberg. The Burrum Coast National Park which also incorporates both Woodgate and Burrum River sections is part of the Great Sandy Region, of which Fraser Island is best known.

Located on the waterfront at the gorgeous Burnett Heads, this beautiful park offers plenty of space to run and play. For the kids there is a large climbing frame and a smaller playground. For the adults, sit back and enjoy the view of the pristine blue water whilst watching the kids play in the great outdoors.

At the Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg, witness an ancient life cycle of the animal kingdom as majestic sea turtles make their journey from sea to shore to lay their eggs. Then delight at the sight of their young, hatching months later, and making their perilous journey to the sea.

Coonarr Beach is a 4.2 kilometre long, east facing beach that begins amongst the tidal shoals of the Elliott River mouth, then runs straight down to the smaller mouth of Coonarr Creek. There is a gravel road out to the small beachfront settlement of Coonarr, located toward the southern end of the beach.

Mon Repos Conservation Park, a quiet coastal oasis near Bundaberg, is special!
The beach supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region.

Just a short 20 minute drive from Bundaberg will get you to Coral Cove, the friendly and relaxed coastal town between Innes Park and Elliott Heads.
Make sure you take time to explore the lagoon and waterway that runs parallel to the beach, you never know what type of birdlife and animals you might find.

Only 18 kilometres north east of Bundaberg you will find Oaks Beach - a small beach good for snorkelling, fishing, rock walking or swimming. There is also a 200 metre stretch of beach perfect for surfing.

Hoffman's Rocks is a colourful underwater playground just south of Bargara in the Woongarra Marine Park. The area is covered in hard and soft corals including gorgonian sea fans and pretty soft corals, and home to resting turtles, stingrays, gropers and wobbegong sharks.

Bargara Beach is located 15 kilometres east of Bundaberg and offers a climate similar to Hawaii, beautiful beaches and friendly locals. Bargara Beach is located immediately east of the Bundaberg town centre and is backed by a beachfront road, with good beach access and parking.

The Cochrane Artificial Reef in the Woongarra Marine Park, is like something straight out of a movie. Just a short boat trip from shore, you'll find the impressive 50 metre 'Ceratodus II' and the 40 metre long 'Porteur' surrounded by two Mohawk aircraft and a Kingair aircraft, two lightships, and a criss-cross of concrete modules, pipes and other structures all taken over by coral and sea life.

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